Dye Technique Measured Nerve Cell Damage in the Retina

A simple and inexpensive test that uses dyes to visualize
retinal cells monitored the stage and type of cell
death in the retina as neurodegeneration progressed in
animals prone to develop disorders such as Alzheimer
disease, a study found.1

The technique, which is just starting in human trials
and could be available within 2 years, involves highlighting
nerve cell damage in the retina using fluorescent
markers that attach to dying cells. It can be
administered as an injection in the arm or via eye
drops. Once the substance is in the body, it seeks out
nerve cells that are dying and chemically marks them.

Ophthalmologists can then use an infrared camera
to locate the damaged cells, according to the
researchers. “The optical properties of the eye provide
compelling opportunities for the quantitative monitoring
of disease mechanisms and dynamics in experimental
neurodegeneration,” first author Francesca
Cordeiro, MD, PhD, of University College London, said
in The London Telegraph.2 “Our findings also help to
directly observe retinal nerve cell death in patients as
an adjunct to refining diagnosis, tracking disease status,
and assessing therapeutic intervention.”

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About Retina Today

Retina Today is a publication that delivers the latest research and clinical developments from areas such as medical retina, retinal surgery, vitreous, diabetes, retinal imaging, posterior segment oncology and ocular trauma. Each issue provides insight from well-respected specialists on cutting-edge therapies and surgical techniques that are currently in use and on the horizon.

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